Ordering and construction
of our molecular models

We prefer to keep our ordering process personal and friendly. If your model is not part of our standard
catalogue, we like to discuss your requirements with you so that you get a model that fully fits your needs and expectations,
not just one that is adequate. Please feel free to discuss what you want via email , our
web form, or by phone.

All orders are subject to our standard terms and conditions. To purchase our
models, you just need to tell us what you want. In most cases, the best thing to do will be to contact
us - unless your item is a standard model, then it’s worthwhile talking to us about what you think you
should order. Sometimes it’s not always what you originally thought you wanted - or could even ask for.
If you are certain of what you want to order, please feel free to use our
online order form

Common items can be found by browsing our catalogue, where you can get some idea of the price and the
size of the models. The size of the model is given in the item’s code, so a model of, for example,
Goethite has a code of 125-40-223, indicating that it contains 125 atoms, of which 40 are hydrogen,
held together with 223 bonds.

Delivery Schedule

We produce high quality molecular models and, by the nature of the product, this process cannot be
rushed. However, we will always try our best to deliver items as quickly as possible - if your model
is needed for a particular date, just tell us when you order and if we can get the model to you in
time, we will. If we know we can’t deliver in time, we’ll tell you immediately. When you choose
models from our catalogues we will deliver items from stock, if possible.

The range of models that we produce, along with the fact that very few models contain ‘standard’ bond
angles, mean that we only make most of our models after an order is received. This is done on a
first-come-first-served basis. We will always try to give you an indication of the schedule before
you order.

The time required for any particular model to be built depends upon its size, symmetry, and novelty.
Where models are available from stock, we will ship your order right away. Small, simple, models can
be sent out in a couple of days, very large and complex models that require significant design
efforts, can take several weeks or longer (Beevers models in excess of 1 cubic meter have been
produced, but that really takes time!)

As we are a relatively small company, we recommend that you allow a reasonable amount of time for us
to produce your model. Holiday periods, in particular, may mean that there are fewer people available
to make your model.

Pricing

Prices for the most common models are given in the catalogue. For new models, the only sure way to
know the price of a non-catalogue model is to ask us. Whilst the prices for models follow a formula
based upon the number of atoms and the number of bonds (see our price estimator),
the exact price is not based upon these alone.
Some new models require far more design work than others and some require much greater care in the
construction than others. Sometimes, the simplest structures require the most care - Sodium Chloride,
for example is visually far less forgiving of variation in bond length and angle than is, say, DNA
and so is much more difficult to produce.

Except in the case of very large and expensive orders, we do not normally charge for any item until it
is delivered. When confirmation of order is received, this is to indicate that we have received your
order. It does not indicate that a contract exists between us. We will indicate acceptance of your
order, and hence a contract between us, when we send you an invoice. We have included this term to
protect us in the case that a mistake has been made in pricing, where we have inadvertently
under-priced or over-priced goods. In the case of a price error, we will always contact you first to
ensure that the price is acceptable. In some cases, such as a large model that we wouldn’t be able to
sell to anyone else, we may need to ask for a deposit before commencing work.

Tax Charges For orders made from the UK or EU (if not VAT registered ), 20% VAT is added. All other
orders are VAT free.

Discounts. Sadly, because of abuse of our academic discount scheme, we can no longer provide this in
a fair and consistent manner, and academic discounts have been discontinued. Discounts are available,
at our discretion, for large orders and for orders from resellers.
Payment. Our standard payment term is 30 days after the date of your invoice, but larger orders and
orders from unfamiliar organisations may require payment, or part payment, in advance. Placing an order without
written confirmation of an alternative term will imply that you accept this. To enable you to pay your
invoice, we accept the following forms of payment:

• Direct bank transfer of funds

• Cheques (UK £ sterling only - other currencies may be accepted at our discretion, but will be subject to a surcharge due to bank charges)

• Paypal (3% added to the invoice as a contribution towards charges)

Shipping

Shipping for small orders is normally done by air mail, or air parcel post, but can also be done by
courier. Large orders are normally sent via courier. So, depending on your choice and location, the
shipping time typically varies between 1 and 10 days.

Privacy Policy

We operate on a basis of confidentiality.
We do not disclose buyers' information to third parties. Ever.

Returns Policy Your rights to return goods are protected under the EU
Distance Selling Directive, which can be found at http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2000/20002334.htm,
but please note that many of our supplied goods are made to the consumer’s specifications and are
therefore exempt under article 13(1)(c) of that directive.